Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - SA 450 D100

Advanced Sociological Theory (S) (4)

Class Number: 2091

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum of 72 units including SA 350, a GPA of at least 3.25 and consent of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A senior seminar on current perspectives in sociological theory. Emphasis will differ from semester to semester.

COURSE DETAILS:

WHOSE LIVES MATTER? SOCIAL THEORY THAT TROUBLES WESTERN CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE HUMAN

The purpose of this course is to provide space for us to engage with social theorizing that troubles the Eurocentric, white supremacist, colonial, hetero-patriarchal and capitalist constructions of the human that traditionally anchor the origin story of Sociology as a discipline. Our project involves reading against the grain of whiteness and colonialism and is necessarily multidisciplinary, drawing as it does on critical race, postcolonial, cultural studies, black feminist, Indigenous, and bio-politics/assemblage theorizing. We will do this by focusing on socio-historical contexts and applying analytical questions to explore the ways in which various activist/intellectuals have framed their critiques of the West.

Grading

  • Critical summaries (2 x 15%) 30%
  • Thematic analysis essay & poster presentation 70%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings available via PDFs, CANVAS, SFU Library Reserves, SFU Library e-books, or links.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS